Page:Studies in Mughal India.djvu/9

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THE DAILY LIFE OF SHAH JAHAN.
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enable us to picture the life of his Court. Let us see how Shah Jahan lived and worked in his beloved palace of Agra. (True, he founded New Delhi and named it after himself, but Agra was the city of his heart.)


Emperor's Daily Routine.

A.M.

4 Wakes — Prayer — Reading.

6.45 Appears at Darshan window — elephant combats — review of cavalry. 7.40 Public Darbar (Diwan-i-am). 9.40 Private Audience (Diwan-i-khas). 11.40 Secret Consultation in the Shah Burj. 12 In harem — meal — siesta — charity to women.

P.M.

4 Public Audience — Evening prayer. 6.30... Evening assembly in the Diwan-i-khas. 8 Secret Council in the Shah Burj. 8.30 In the harem — music. 10 Hears books read. 10.30-4 A.M. — Sleeps.


MORNING PRAYER.

The Emperor woke from his sleep about two hours before sunrise, and after his morning toilet spent some time in religious devotions. After saying the customary prayer based on the Prophet's Traditions, which is not obligatory on Muslims, he sat with his face towards Mecca, reciting the verses of the Quran and meditating on God. Shortly before sunrise, he performed the first obligatory prayer of the day in the palace mosque, and then engaged in his worldly duties.

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